TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona State soccer closed its regular season Thursday night with a tense 0-0 draw against in-state rival Arizona, leaving the Sun Devils waiting on the NCAA tournament bubble for a potential postseason berth.
The Sun Devils (10-5-4, 3-5-3 in the Big 12) traveled to Murphy Field at Mulcahy Stadium to face the Wildcats (7-11-1, 2-8-1) in front of 638 fans in Tucson. Despite generating seven total shots, two on goal, ASU couldn’t find the back of the net in a physical and emotional matchup that ended its regular-season campaign.
Arizona outshot Arizona State 13-7 and held a slight edge in possession, 52% to 48%. The Wildcats also earned seven corner kicks to ASU’s five, keeping the Sun Devil defense under consistent pressure throughout the night.
“We’ve had an incredible season considering all the adversity we’ve faced,” ASU head coach Graham Winkworth said postgame. “We’ve had players unavailable or not showing up at the beginning of the season, but we’ve still put together something special. We just haven’t capitalized on our chances in front of goal.”
The Sun Devils’ offense struggled to connect early, managing only one shot in the first half — a saved attempt by midfielder Tatum Thomason in the second minute. Meanwhile, Arizona tallied five first-half shots and five corner kicks, but goalkeeper Pauline Nelles kept the Wildcats scoreless with one key save before halftime.
In the second half, ASU looked sharper in the attacking third, posting six more shots and earning five corners, yet continued to miss finishing opportunities. Peyton Marcisz and Thomason each recorded shots on target, while Ella Kettles and Adrielle Mibe saw their attempts blocked in the closing minutes.
“I think we’re probably the best set-piece team in the country,” Winkworth said. “We’ve been fantastic all year. It just wasn’t to be today.”
Defensively, Nelles stood tall in goal, recording four saves across 90 minutes for her eighth shutout of the season. Arizona keeper Olivia Ramey also earned a clean sheet, stopping two ASU shots.
Arizona’s Leilani Cortez-Ramirez led the Wildcats with three second-half shots — one on goal — while defender Ella Hatteberg and midfielder Lily Boydstun each contributed multiple attempts. Despite the offensive pressure, ASU’s backline — anchored by defenders Grace Gillard, Lucy Fazackerley and Izzy Monck — held firm to keep the match level.
The game was not without drama. In the 89th minute, Winkworth was issued a red card for unsporting behavior after disputing a late call. Still, the Sun Devils held on through the final whistle to secure their fourth consecutive shutout and a crucial road point in the rivalry series.
“The girls gave everything out there, especially in that second half,” Winkworth said. “It’s always tough playing Arizona on their home field, but I couldn’t be prouder of their fight. They’ve shown grit all season, even when the odds were against them.”
The draw concludes ASU’s regular season with 10 wins, the program’s second double-digit win total in the past three years. Winkworth credited his team’s senior leadership for helping guide the group through a challenging schedule that included injuries, roster changes and competitive conference play.
“I want to thank my seniors for all the hard work they’ve put in,” Winkworth said. “It’s been a wonderful career for all of them, and we’re really proud of their efforts. Hopefully, we’ll be playing again, but if not, I’m incredibly proud of the season they’ve put together.”
Now, the Sun Devils turn their focus to Selection Day, awaiting their postseason fate. With strong defensive performances and competitive showings against ranked opponents earlier in the season, ASU remains in contention for an at-large bid.
“This group has dealt with so much — injuries, absences — and still they’ve shown up every week ready to compete,” Winkworth said. “That’s what makes this team special. They’ve built something to be proud of.”
